Lessons

Whether you are a beginner or an accomplished musician, Katy Music Studio has a teaching method that will compliment your talent. We do this by using a well rounded curriculum that encompasses total musicianship. This includes technique, ear training, note reading, theory, and performance skills.

Piano

6-7 years of age is the youngest we suggest starting children in private piano lessons. At this age children have begun to develop longer attention spans, can retain material with ease, and have gained more physical finger dexterity.

Guitar

8-9 years of age is the earliest we recommend for guitar, and 10 years of age for bass guitar. Guitar and electric bass require that the left hand of the student apply direct pressure to the strings of the instrument in order to produce a clear sound. Children under this age may lack the hand strength to accomplish this task. Guitars come in a variety of sizes.

An electric guitar and an acoustic guitar are played exactly the same. One is not a prerequisite for the other. Whichever of the 2 guitar will encourage the student’s interest is the one to pursue.

Violin

Because the violin comes in a variety of sizes, children as young as age 6 can take violin lessons.

Voice

For children we recommend starting between ages 8-9 years of age. Voice lessons with children will not be taught in the same way as lessons with adults. Our vocal teachers exercise great care with children to prevent injury to growing vocal chords. Teachers will also keep songs age appropriate.

Regular attendance at weekly lessons is expected and necessary. Regular practice at home is also part of the ongoing learning process.

FOR PARENTS

For Parents

Show your enthusiasm for your child’s music lessons. After all, you’re paying for the lessons! Explain to them, that just like school, music training is a long term process with many high points along the way.

Your child has his own unique pace and way of learning. Avoid comparing him to siblings or neighbor children who may appear to be playing better or progressing faster. Remember that slow and steady wins the race.

Anticipate ups and downs in their interest and attitude. Progress comes with a number of growing pain periods. Your instructor can help advise if you have questions.

DO’S

Teach your child to treat their practice session with the same respect they give their lesson period.

Employ a sense of humor as a powerful tool to resolve disagreements about practicing.

At all times let your child know that you are proud of his achievements, even when they are small.

DON’TS

Belittle your child’s efforts.

Despair at temporary lapses in practice. Sometimes your child’s weekly lesson may have to suffice as their practice.

Threaten to stop lessons if they don’t practice. Threats can work during periods of high motivation in music but may boomerang during growing pain periods.

Discuss lesson problems with the teacher with the student present… or at least be aware that something inadvertedly could be said that may not be beneficial to the student.

Your financial investment in your child’s music lessons pays dividends through the skills he acquires over the years, not by the amount of daily practice. Remember you are giving your child a music education for artistic use, their self expression, and their personal pleasure. Don’t expect immediate gratitude from your child; it may come years later when they can play and enjoy music as an adult.

PRACTICE

Practice

The most important part of music study takes place at home, not during the lesson. And like the lesson, this time spent on music can be fun too. Home practice is a time to try new ideas while playing the assigned pieces. Below are some tips to help make this practice time fun and enjoyable.

Establish a consistent practice time. Usually, right after schoolwork generally works best as it helps to think of music lessons as part of their study time.

Family members should not interrupt the student during their practice times. Distractions can cause them to become curious that something more interesting is going on.

Encourage your child to play at least 15 minutes when they get home after each lesson. This will help reinforce their assignment during the week.

Divide practice sessions into segments, especially with younger children. Two 15 minute sessions or three 10 minute sessions can be more productive than one 30 minute sitting.

Playing an instrument well involves repetition which translate to muscle memory. Sometimes practicing a piece a set number of times is more important than the length of time they practice the piece. Discuss with your teacher.

Help with the practice session (watch hand position, count out loud, record their sessions, etc.) and provide encouragement.

Record the practice sessions. Students can hear what others hear when they listen to themselves and work on problem areas.

Discuss any practicing questions with the teacher. Teachers are always available to discuss motivational ideas to help your child get the most out of each practice session.